“All three of them have contributed, and that really helps in tournaments,” Sanders said. “Having three pitchers you can rely is a nice luxury.”

Senior centerfielder Savannah Thomas, who is bound for Troy University, leads the team in hitting with a .385 average. Graves, sophomore first baseman Paiden Kircus and freshman second baseman Hunter Ashcraft are also hitting the ball well.

“I can’t talk about this team without mentioning our third baseman, (sophomore) Savannah Elkins, who has done a tremendous job defensively,” Sanders said. “She is possibly the best defensive third baseman I’ve ever coached.”

Sanders said the overall team batting is better than last year and there is more speed.

The Panthers are also rich in the intangibles.

“These girls just get along with each other,” Sanders said. “They’ve got great camaraderie and absolutely no jealousy. They don’t care if they have to switch positions or anything. Whatever it takes to win is what they want.”

Sanders said that most of the girls play softball nine months out of the year and go to camps and take lessons.